Milkha Singh, one of India’s greatest, first sport superstar and legendary sprinter, died at the age of 91, of complications after to a month-long battle with Covid-19. Singh's wife Nirmal Kaur, a former Indian volleyball captain, also died of the virus, five days prior his untimely death.

Milkha, famously known as “The Flying Sikh,” won four Asian Games gold medals and became India’s first Commonwealth Games champion in 1958. Milkha proceeded to represent India at the Olympics in 1956, 1960 as well as 1964.

He inspired millions of people, not just limited to Indians but world-wide with his story and incredible dedication and persistence to achieve his dreams. His story and the strength of his character will continue to inspire generations to come.

According to a statement released, "he fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji and now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days.”

Tributes to Singh flooded social media after his passing, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, "we have lost a colossal sportsperson, who captured the nation's imagination and had a special place in the hearts of countless Indians. His inspiring personality endeared himself to millions," on twitter.

Milkha’s traumatizing childhood was painful. Born in 1929, in Govindpura, a small village in what is now called Pakistan, Singh grew up in what was then British-ruled India. As a teenager, he lost his parents in 1947; who were killed right in front of his eyes. He fled to India by train, hiding under the seats in the ladies' carriage. In New Delhi, he joined the Indian Army, where he started his running career. His life story inspired a 2013 Bollywood film called "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," which means "Run Milkha Run" in English.